Serra da Malcata Natural Reserve

Serra da Malcata Natural Reserve spans a large area between Penamacor and Sabugal, featuring varied Mediterranean woodland landscapes with seasonal water ponds. The terrain supports different habitats that provide homes for numerous plant and animal species.

The Portuguese government established this reserve in 1981 to protect the Iberian lynx and its natural habitat. The creation of this protected zone represented an important step in national conservation efforts.

Local communities around the reserve maintain traditional cork harvesting practices from the cork oak trees that grow throughout the area. This work shapes the landscape and remains part of daily life for people living nearby.

The site is accessible during daylight hours, with a main office in Penamacor and an environmental education center in Sabugal. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and prepare for changing weather conditions that can shift quickly across this hilly terrain.

The reserve is home to nests of black vultures, a rare species with impressive wing size. These birds depend on undisturbed landscapes like this one for their survival.

Location: Castelo Branco

Location: Guarda

Inception: 1981

Operator: ICNF

Opening Hours: 24/7

Website: http://www2.icnf.pt/portal/ap/r-nat/rnsm

GPS coordinates: 40.25237,-7.04076

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45